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For Today’s Construction Professional

User’s Guide

INTRODUCING:

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Designed for busy construction professionals, the new Construction Master IV lets you solve hundreds of dimension-related problems quickly and accurately in Metric or feet-inch formats!

◆

Solve Dimensional Math with Ease

◆

Instant Dimensional Conversions

◆

Complete Metric/Imperial Conversions

◆

Calculate Square and Rectangular Areas

◆

Find Cubic Volumes

◆ Solve Right-Triangle problems

◆ Find Regular and Irregular Hip/Valley

Rafters

◆

Find Regular and Irregular Jack Rafters

◆

Calculate Stair Risers, Treads and Stringers

◆

Solve Rake-Wall Stud Lengths

◆ Convert between Volume and Weight

◆ Estimate Board Feet

◆

Find Circular Areas, Circumferences, Arcs

◆

Material Estimations

◆

Paperless Tape Function

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And much, much more!

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KEY DEFINITIONS/FUNCTIONS

Basic Functions

[+] [–] [x]

[÷] [=] Arithmetic operation keys.

[%] Four-function percent key.

0 – 9 Digits used for keying-in numbers.

[ • ] Decimal point.

[Off ] Turns all power off. Resets the display and all non-permanent registers.

[On/C] Turns on power. Pressing once clears the last entry and the display. Pressing twice in succession clears all temporary registers.

[Conv] Used to convert between dimensions. Dimensions can only be converted within the same convention

(i.e., linear, square or cubic). Also used to access special functions.

3 — User’s Guide

[ ]

Used to find the square root of a number.

[Conv]

[ ] x2 — Finds the square of the displayed value.

[M+] Memory Plus — Stores the displayed number in the semi-permanent Memory. Also adds the displayed number to any previously stored value in Memory. The total stored in Memory is recalled by pressing [Rcl] prior to [M+].

[Conv]

[M+] Memory Minus (M–) — Subtracts the displayed value from Memory.

[Rcl] Recall — Recalls values stored in any register (i.e., press [Rcl] and then the key you wish to display the value of ). [Rcl] [M+] displays

Memory content.

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[Rcl] [x] Imperial/Metric Mode — Selects either Imperial or Metric defaults for the following settings: pitch, stair riser height, and on-center spacing for jack rafters and rake-walls.

Note: This is a permanent setting cleared only by removing batteries or manually resetting.

******************************************

[Conv]

[Rcl] Memory Clear — Clears the

Memory without changing the current display.

Dimension Keys

[Yds] Yards — This is an entry and conversion key (when used with

[Conv] ).

[Feet] Feet — This is an entry and conversion key (when used with

[Conv] ). This key can also be used in conjunction with the [Inch] and

[/] keys for entering in Feet-Inch-

Fractions.

5 — User’s Guide

[Inch] Inches — This is an entry and conversion key (when used with

[Conv] ). This key can also be used in conjunction with the [/] key for entering values in Fractional Inch format.

[/] Fraction Bar — This key is used to enter fractions. For example, to enter 1/2, the key sequence would be: 1 [/] 2.

[Cu] Cubic — This key is used with a dimension key to identify a value as being a volume.

Example: 5 [Cu] [Yds] .

[Sq] Square — This key is used with a dimension key to identify a value as being an area.

Example: 10 [Sq] [Meters] .

[m] Meters — This is an entry and conversion key used to enter decimal meters or to convert decimal meters.

[cm] Centimeters — Entry and conversion key for centimeters. Operates the same as metric.

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[mm] Millimeters — Entry and conversion key for millimeters. Operates the same as metric.

[Bd Ft] Board Feet — This key is used to enter or convert cubic values to board feet (using [Conv] ). One board foot is equal to 144 cubic inches (1 inch x 1 foot x 1 foot).

[Weight] Weight — This key is used to convert volume to a weight value using the [Conv] key and the stored

Weight per Volume factor (see below). Press repeatedly to toggle between tons, pounds and kilograms.

[Conv]

[%] Weight per Volume — Used to set the

Weight per Volume factor. Factor can be entered as Kilograms per

Cubic Meter, Tons per Cubic Yard, or Pounds per Cubic Yard. To set a different weight per volume, i.e.,

2150 Kilograms per Cubic Meter, press 2150 [Conv] [%] [%] [%] .

7 — User’s Guide

Right Triangle/Rafter Keys

[Pitch] Pitch — This key is used to permanently enter or calculate the pitch (slope) of a roof (or right triangle). Pitch may be entered as an inch format (9 [Inch] [Pitch] ), or as an angle in degrees (i.e., 30

[Pitch] for 30°), or also as a unitless ratio (0.75 [Conv] [Pitch] ).

[Rise] Rise — This key enters or calculates the rise or vertical leg of a right triangle.

[Run] Run — This key enters or calculates the run or horizontal leg (or base) of a right triangle.

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[Diag] Diagonal — This key enters or calculates the diagonal leg or hypotenuse of a right triangle.

[Conv]

[Diag] Rake-Wall — This function finds the decreasing stud sizes in a rakewall based on computed or entered values for pitch, rise and/or run.

Repeated presses of [Diag] will display the descending stud sizes from longest to shortest.

The on-center spacing of a rakewall can be permanently stored by entering a dimension prior to solving for stud sizes (for example, 750

[mm] [Conv] [Diag] will store 750 millimeters as the on-center spacing). Default on-center spacing is

600 millimeters in Metric Mode

(16 inches in English Mode).

[Hip/V] Hip/Valley — Finds the regular (45°) hip/valley rafter length based on entered or solved values for Pitch,

Rise, Run and/or Diagonal. If this key is pressed after an irregular pitch entry (see below), the length of the

9 — User’s Guide

irregular (non-45°) hip/valley rafter is displayed. Answers will show an

“I” on the display to indicate if it’s an irregular.

[Conv]

[Hip/V] Irregular Pitch — Stores the irregular pitch or slope value for calculating lengths of the irregular hip/valley and irregular jack rafters.

For instance, to enter a 38° irregular pitch or slope, press 38 [Conv]

[Hip/V] (or, to enter a ten inch irregular pitch, enter 10 [Inch]

[Conv] [Hip/Valley] ). To recall the irregular pitch, press [ Rcl]

[Conv] [Hip/Valley] . An irregular pitch is designated with an “I”.

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[Jack] Jack Rafter — Used to find the jack rafter sizes—from largest to smallest—for both regular and irregular roofs based on entered values for

Pitch, Rise, Run and/or Diagonal, jack on-center, and (optionally) irregular pitch (see above). Use

[Conv] [Jack] to access the irregular jack rafter mode.

The default on-center spacing for jacks is 600 millimeters in Metric

Mode. A new on-center spacing can be permanently set by entering a dimension before pressing

[Jack] . For example, 750 [mm]

[Jack] will store a 750 millimeter on-center spacing.

[Conv]

[Jack] Irregular Jack — Accesses the irregular jack rafter mode, allowing successive presses of the [Jack] key

(after [Conv] [Jack] is initially pressed) to display the descending irregular jack rafter lengths—from longest to shortest. Based on entered irregular pitch and on-center spacing.

11 — User’s Guide

Stair and Circle Keys

[Stair] A multi-function key that displays the following values when pressed repeatedly:

Number of Presses Result

1 Number of Risers

2

3

Actual Riser Height

Riser Overage/Underage

4

5

6

7

8

9

Number of Treads

Actual Tread Width

Tread Overage/Underage

Stringer Length

Inclination Angle

Default Riser Height

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When the [Stair] key is preceded by a linear or undimensioned entry, the value will be permanently stored as the “Desired Riser

Height”. Undimensioned values are assumed to be millimeters when in Metric Mode or inches if in English Mode. Default = 185 millimeters for Metric Mode (7-

1/2 inches for English Mode).

[Circ] Circle — Based on an entered dimensioned diameter, repeated presses display the following circular values: 1) diameter, 2) surface area 3) circumference.

[Conv]

[Circ] Arc Length — Used to find the arc length based on an entered diameter and angle. For example: 50

[mm] [Circ] 180 [Conv] [Circ] would display an Arc length of

78.53982 millimeters for an entered diameter of 50 millimeters and a 180° angle.

13 — User’s Guide

Additional [Conv] Key Functions:

When used in conjunction with the following keys, the [Conv] key gives access to these additional functions:

[Conv]

[÷] Reciprocal, or 1/x function.

[Conv]

[x] All-Clear — Clears all values including Memory. Resets all permanent registers to default settings

(pitch, jack rafter and rake-wall oncenter values, stair riser height, fraction set).

[Conv]

[+] Pi ( π ) Constant = 3.141593.

[Conv]

[–] +/– Changes the sign of the displayed value.

[Conv]

[=] Tape — Accesses the paperless tape mode.

[Conv]

[•] Per Unit — Allows you to calculate a total material cost given a unit dimension and an entered Per Unit

Cost.

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Fractional

Rounding

Settings: When your calculator is in a default condition (after a battery change or full reset), it is set to round fractional values to the nearest 1/16 of an inch. However, you may program your preference for six different accuracy levels which remain in permanent memory until revised or reset. To change the fractional rounding, press:

[Conv] 1 Fraction set to 1/16

[Conv] 2 Fraction set to 1/2

[Conv] 3 Fraction set to 1/32

[Conv] 4 Fraction set to 1/4

[Conv] 6 Fraction set to 1/64

[Conv] 8 Fraction set to 1/8

ENTERING DIMENSIONS

All examples are performed in Metric Mode

(press [Rcl] [x] to see “ METR ” on display).

15 — User’s Guide

Linear Dimensions

Below are some examples of how linear dimensions are entered:

Dimensions

17.5 Meters

5 Feet

1/2 Inch

5 Feet 1 Inch

5 Feet 1-1/2 Inch

10 Yards

205 Millimeters

Keystrokes

17.5 [m]

5 [Feet]

1 [/] 2

5 [Feet] 1 [Inch]

5 [Feet] 1 [Inch] 1 [/] 2

10 [Yds]

205 [mm]

Square and Cubic Dimensions

Square and cubic dimensions are entered in the following order:

(1) Numerical Value;

(2) Convention — Square or Cubic;

(3) Units — Meters, Yards, Feet, Inches.

Below are some examples of how square and cubic dimensions are entered:

Dimension Keystrokes

33 square millimeters 33 [Sq] [mm]

5 cubic yards 5 [Cu] [Yds]

130 square feet

123 cubic meters

130 [Sq] [Feet]

123 [Cu] [m]

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DIMENSION CONVERSIONS

Linear Conversions

Convert 14 feet to other linear dimensions:

Keystrokes Display Shows

14 [Feet] . . .

[Conv] [m]

[Conv] [cm]

[Conv] [mm]

[Conv] [Yds]

[Conv] [Feet]

[Conv] [Feet]

[Conv] [Inch]

4.2672 M

426.72 CM

4267.2 MM

4.666667 YD

14 FT 0 IN

14 FT

168 IN

Square Area Conversions

Convert 14 square feet to other square dimensions:

Keystrokes Display Shows

14 [Sq] [Feet] . . .

[Conv] [m]

[cm]

[mm]

[Inch]

[Yds]

1.300643 SQ M

13006.43 SQ CM

1300643 SQ MM

2016 SQ IN

1.555556 SQ YD

17 — User’s Guide

Note: When performing conversions, [Conv] only has to be pressed once.

Cubic Conversions

Convert 14 cubic feet to other cubic dimensions:

Keystrokes Display Shows

14 [Cu] [Feet] . . .

[Conv] [m]

[cm]

[mm]

[Inch]

[Yds]

0.396 CU M

396435.9 CU CM

0.396 CU M *

24192 CU IN

0.518519 CU YD

* Notice in the conversion to millimeters, the answer has “Auto-Ranged” and is again displayed in meters, as otherwise the number of digits would be out of the calculator's normal seven digit display range.

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MATHEMATICAL OPERATIONS

Your calculator uses standard chaining logic which simply means that you enter your first value, the operator (+, –, x, ÷), the second value and then the Equals sign (“=”).

A.

3 [+] 2 [=] 5

B.

3 [–] 2 [=] 1

C.

3 [x] 2 [=] 6

D.

3 [÷] 2 [=] 1.5

This feature also makes the calculator simple to use for dimensional math, as shown in the following examples:

Adding and Subtracting Dimensions

1. Add 7 meters to 11 feet 4 inches:

7 [m] [+] 11 [Feet] 4 [Inch]

[=] 10.4544 M

2. Subtract 3 feet from 11 feet 7-1/2 inches:

11 [Feet] 7 [Inch] 1 [/] 2 [–] 3 [Feet]

[=] 8 FEET 7-1/2 INCH

19 — User’s Guide

Note: The format of the first value you enter determines the format of the answer. However, with the [Conv] key you can change to any format you desire, provided that you maintain convention.

Multiplying and Dividing Dimensions

1. Multiply 5 feet 3 inches by

11 feet 6-1/2 inches:

5 [Feet] 3 [Inch]

[x] 11 [Feet] 6 [Inch] 1[/] 2

[=] 60.59375 SQ FT

2. Divide 30 meters by 16 inches:

30 [m] [÷] 16 [Inch]

[=] 73.8189

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MEMORY OPERATION

Whenever the [M+] key is pressed, the displayed value will be added to the Memory.

The displayed value will be subtracted from

Memory by pressing [Conv] [M+] .

[Rcl] [M+] recalls and displays the total value of the Memory. [Rcl] [Rcl] displays and clears the Memory as does turning off your calculator.

Keystrokes

1. 355 [M+]

[Rcl] [Rcl]

2. 355 [M+]

255 [M+]

745 [Conv] [M+]

[Rcl] [Rcl]

Display Shows

355.

355.

355.

255.

745.

– 135.

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PAPERLESS TAPE

The Paperless Tape allows the user to display and review the last 20 entries of a calculation. This function is accessed by pressing

[Rcl] [=] .

To review entered values, press [Rcl] [=] to access the tape mode and then press the [+] or [–] keys to either scroll forward or backward through the entries. The Paperless Tape is cleared each time [On/C] is pressed twice, or the unit is shut off.

Reviewing Paperless Tape

1. Enter a string of numbers:

Keystrokes Display Shows

4 [cm] [+]

5 [cm] [+]

6 [cm] [=]

4 CM

9 CM

15 CM

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2. Access the Tape function:

Keystrokes

[Rcl] [=]

Display Shows

TTL= 15 CM

3. Scroll from first value to total:

Keystrokes Display Shows

[+]

[+]

[+]

[+]

01 4 CM

02+ 5 CM

03+ 6 CM

TTL= 15 CM

4. Scroll to last 2 values:

Keystrokes

[–]

[–]

Display Shows

03+ 6 CM

02+ 5 CM

5. Exit Tape function by pressing any key except [Off ] , [+] , or [–] .

23 — User’s Guide

Battery and Auto Shut-Of f — Your calculator is powered by a single 3-Volt Lithium

CR-2032 battery. This should last upwards of 800 hours of actual use (one year plus for most people). Should the display become very dim or erratic, replace the battery.

Your calculator is designed to shut itself off after about 8-12 minutes of non-use.

Accuracy/Display — Your calculator has an eleven digit display (seven normal digits and four digits for the fractions). Calculations are carried out internally to ten digits and are rounded to the seven digit standard display using a 5/4 rounding technique.

“ Error ” — When you make an incorrect entry, or the answer is beyond the range of the calculator, it will display the word “Error.” To clear an error condition you must hit the

[On/C] button twice. An “Error” condition will also occur if you enter a mathematical impossibility such as division by zero.

Auto-Range — If an “overflow” is created because of an input and calculation with small units that are out of the standard seven digit range of the display, the answer will be automatically expressed in the next larger units.

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Software Copyrighted and licensed to

Calculated Industries by

Construction Master Technologies,

LLC, 2000

Construction Master IV User’s Guide

Copywrited by Calculated Industries,

2000

Construction Master

® and

Calculated Industries

® are registered trademarks of Calculated Industries, Inc.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Designed in the

United States of America

©2000, Calculated Industries

4840 Hytech Drive

Carson City, NV 89706

1-775-885-4900

Fax: 1-775-885-4949 www.calculated.com

File: 4045-UG-C • 9/00

25 — User’s Guide

Printed In China

9/00

UG4045E-C